HC Deb 16 November 1950 vol 480 c1891
59. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has yet reached a decision as to whether to make the use of the gin trap illegal.

Mr. T. Williams

The gin is the most efficient trap at present available for catching rabbits and so long as this is so I would not propose to interfere with its use in those conditions where it is still legal.

Sir T. Moore

As it is universally agreed that the gin trap is a barbarous instrument which is used for trapping rabbits, would the Minister not assuage public opinion by supporting more humane traps, such as the Sawyer trap, or any other methods that are well known to him and to us for destroying rabbits?

Mr. Williams

I have told the hon. and gallant Member on several occasions that i; a more efficacious trap can be made available. I shall be happy to have it examined.